Huawei Watch 2 Sport vs. Huawei Watch 2 Classic: Which one is right for you?

Huawei has finally taken the wraps off of the Huawei Watch 2. Unlike the first time around, however, there are actually two devices with the Huawei Watch 2 name: The Huawei Watch 2 Sport and the Huawei Watch 2 Classic. While you might assume the only differences are aesthetic, the truth is that there are also a few changes under the hood.

So which one is right for you? Turns out, the devices have some very specific use cases, which is why we’ve put together this guide.

Specs

When it comes to specs, the two watches are almost identical. Both devices come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor, which is built specifically for wearables. On top of that, they both feature 4GB of storage and 768MB of RAM, so they should be able to handle most wearable-related things you can throw at them.

The amount of storage, RAM, and the processor in these Android Wear watches are among the best you can get at the moment. Because the two watches have the same specs, this one is a tie.

Winner: Tie

Design and display

Perhaps the biggest difference between these two devices is their design. One of the watches is sports-focused, while the other is geared toward general use.

While you might assume that the Huawei Watch 2 Sport is the bulkier of the two watches, they’re actually the same dimensions. So if you’re looking for something a little less chunky, neither device is better than the other. Still, the Classic certainly looks a tad more appropriate for a dinner party due to its leather strap.

Both watches have a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen with a 390 x 390-pixel resolution, which is good for such a tiny device. They also have two physical buttons on the right side, as well as a dial around the face of the device.

Design largely comes down to personal preference, and both watches serve clear purposes — one for when you’re out running, and the other when you’re at a fancy dinner. Both devices come with easy-to-remove bands, so you can swap them out if you prefer another look.

Winner: Tie

Connectivity

Another major difference between the two devices is LTE connectivity. While you sadly won’t be able to get either of the two watches with LTE connectivity in the U.S., the international version of the Huawei Watch 2 Sport does offer LTE support, so you’ll gain a lot more independence from your phone. That way you can utilize more stand-alone features enabled in Android Wear 2.0.

It makes sense that the sport version would come with LTE support — after all, no one wants to take their phone with them when they go on a run or to the gym. The winner here is the Huawei Watch 2 Sport.

Winner: Huawei Watch 2 Sport

Sensors and tracking

Another assumption you might make about the two devices is that the Huawei Watch 2 Sport features more sensors. Not true. In reality, both watches feature the exact same sensors — an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a heart rate monitor, a barometer, a compass, and NFC for Android Pay. They both also have a built-in GPS, so you’ll be able to track your runs and hikes regardless of which device you choose.

In addition, both smartwatches feature some fitness-tracking software, which is nice for the sporty individual who wants a more comprehensive fitness-tracking device than what Google Fit can offer. That said, you’ll be able to track your steps, calorie burn, and your heart rate during your workout. You’ll even be able to chart your VO2Max, which is the maximum volume of oxygen you can take in during a workout.

This one is, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, a tie.

Winner: Tie

Software

Both watches feature Android Wear 2.0, Google’s latest operating system for wearables. Thanks to the new OS, you’ll be able to download and use standalone apps, while making use of a simplified and easy-to-use interface. Because the software now supports standalone apps, there’s also now a version of the Play Store that you can access directly on the watch. Lastly, Android Wear 2.0 brings with it a number of improved fitness features as well as Google Assistant.

As previously mentioned, both devices include some specialized tracking software, so if you’re looking for something a little more fitness-capable than the LG Watch Sport, Huawei’s two devices have more to offer.

Winner: Tie

Price and availability

Huawei officially launched the Huawei Watch 2 with prices in euros. The Sport will cost 330 euros or 380 euros with 4G, and the Classic will cost 400 euros. In the United States, only the Classic is available and costs $300. The Watch 2 is out in the U.K. on May 17, where the carbon black Sport costs 330 British pounds, the 4G Sport 380 British pounds, and the Classic in titanium gray costs 410 British pounds.

Eventually it will be available in more than 20 countries, including Holland, Thailand, Australia, and a few other select locations.

Winner: Huawei Watch 2 Sport

Winner: Huawei Watch 2 Sport

It’s a little hard to compare these two watches, namely because they’re so similar. Nonetheless, the option to have LTE baked into the watch makes the Sport more featureful and useful than the Classic. The Huawei Watch 2 Classic features a sleeker design, but it’s also a little more expensive than the Sport.

Still, the decision for U.S. buyers largely comes down to personal style. If you’re looking for a device for your day-to-day activities and something you could potentially wear with a suit and tie, the Huawei Watch 2 Classic is the watch for you. If, however, you’re a sports junkie and anticipate using this more for fitness tracking than anything else, the Huawei Watch 2 Sport may be a better option thanks to its silicone-like band. If you live in Europe, the exclusivity of LTE connectivity on the Sport model may make your decision easier.

Article originally published April 2017. Updated on 05-08-2017 by Andy Boxall: Added in price details for the United Kingdom.